Grenache (AKA Garnacha)

TL; DR

Sometimes compared to the lightness of Pinot, other times to the heft of Shiraz... the best will have a little of both!

So, what is it?--red

Grenache — also known as Garnacha or Garnatxa or even Cannonau! — is a serious variety that loves the warm weather. Able to produce fruity, floral wines of delicacy or real powerhouses, just depending on when the grapes are harvested. Always spicy and complex, it's one of the world's great red wines.

Where did Grenache originate?--aromatic

This beautiful grape is most likely from Spain, specifically Aragon, in the northeast of the country. There's a possibility that the grape originated in Sardinia (Italy), however, but this isn't certain. Regardless, Grenache made its way to the Mediterranean, where it now thrives, through the crown of Aragon.

Who's famous for Grenache?--racy

Grenache is an unlikely hero of a grape, despite its vast plantings around the world. It loves warm to hot climates, so we see it most often thriving in regions with plenty of sunshine and bikini-style summer weather. So today the biggest plantings are in southern France, North-Eastern Spain, and on the island of Sardinia in Itlay.

In Spain Grenache is known as "Garnacha" and is an important blending partner in the wines of Priorat and Rioja ($$$+). It's also grown in Calatayud, Cariñena and Navarra. A number of Spanish regions also produce rosé from the grape!

Grenache is the most widely planted grape in the Southern Rhône of France. The most famous and esteemed explains (and expensive!) coming from an appellation called Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Again, it is often a blending partner here, most often with Syrah and Mourvedre, but it confidently leads the trio. We also see substantial plantings in the Languedoc-Roussillon, where it is blended with other local varieties to make spicy reds and the iconic pale and refreshing rosés of Provence.

Outside of Europe Grenache is quite exciting too. High-quality Grenache from Australia is turning heads across the globe — particularly from Barossa Valley and the McLaren Vale. Old bush vines are producing highly concentrated, robust ripe wines with intensity, plenty of red fruit flavours and no shortage of peppery spice. Likewise, some great examples are coming out of California and Washington in the USA.

What does it taste like?--aromatic

Grenache is seriously dominated by red jubey fruits - think raspberries, red cherries and strawberries - and varying degrees of spice. Even when in the lighter spectrum, the alcohol is generally high due to it being a late-ripening grape, and the tannins are moderate. Grenache can handle oak well, adding to depth and spice, but is comfortable without it too. As if Cupid was pointing his arrow at the glass, Grenache often also lends a rose petal character too, and once in a while — especially from warmer regions — a cinnamon heart flavour with warmth on the finish. Ur Cute.

Main styles it's known for?--cellar

This is not so much a geographical split as an ideological one. Because the grape can produce both soft and intense wines, it's up to the producer when to harvest (and thus affect ripeness).

Heavier reds: old school style Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France), Barossa (Australia), Sardinia (Italy)

Lighter reds: new wave producers in the McLaren Vale (Australia), the Gredos mountains (Spain), and gentler wines from the Southern Rhône and Languedoc (France).

Rosé: from France (especially the regions of Tavel, Lirac and Provence) and Spain (Navarra region) as well as all over Australia and the USA

Fortified: from Banyuls (France) and Australia; these styles are sweet.

What foods should you be pairing it with?--plum

And what does Grenache like to eat? It loves herbs and spices, so go wild! Rosemary, pepper and cinnamon all work really well.

Try it with a mild curry to see what we mean! Also works well with sausages, slow-braised stews and roast lamb.

Fun fact--earth

Grenache is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in the world and can be made into rosé wines, single-varietal reds, long-lived blends with Syrah/ Shiraz and Mourvèdre/ Mataro or Tempranillo, and also makes wonderful fortified wines! It’s such an all-rounder!

Party Trick Fact! DYK the oldest continuously producing Grenache vines are located in the Barossa Valley in Australia? Yep! These vines are located a the Cirillo Estate and date back to 1848!

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Mataro, Shiraz, Cinsault

About the Author & Artist

Alex is a certified sommelier that spends more time running in old-growth forests than any other somm — impulsively training her nose while at it! A talented illustrator with a unique style, her doodling works are inspired by the world of wine - and somehow, seem to improve after a glass or two.